Article and photo submitted by Nicholas Gunn – special contributor to Moody on the Market
Brian Litten has been named as the new principal of Fair Plain Middle School by the Benton Harbor Area School District. Litten brings a wide range of expertise and a passion for education to his new position, and his vision for the school is already inspiring staff, students, and parents. Litten isn’t new to the district as he has spent his last three years as principal at Fair Plain East Elementary.
Superintendent Dr. Kelvin Butts recently spoke about the reasons behind the leadership changes in the district, stating, “Part of the reason for moving the principals around was to put them where I thought their talents would be best suited. I knew that Litten knew the kids at the middle school – the incoming sixth graders, seventh graders, and eighth graders – very well. So, I know he will be very familiar with the families.”
Litten’s educational journey began with a desire to become a social studies teacher and football coach. While attending Central Michigan University, his enthusiasm for teaching and coaching led him to work at Sacred Heart Academy. He also obtained experience teaching in his hometown of Lake Orion, Michigan.
After teaching in Tennessee for four years and coaching football, his principal recognized his potential as a future leader in education and appointed him as an assistant principal. Litten would then return to Michigan with his family and took a position at Fair Plain East Elementary. This year, he begins his new journey as principal at Fair Plain Middle School.
Litten is enthusiastic about his new role and eager to make a difference at Fair Plain Middle School. He shared his goals and priorities for the school:
1. Building a Strong Foundation: Litten aims to establish a strong foundation by focusing on structure, relationships, and attendance. He believes that nurturing relationships between students, parents, and the school staff is crucial for creating a supportive learning environment.
2. Creating Opportunities: The principal is committed to providing students with various opportunities to keep them engaged in school. By aligning elective classes with the high school and offering extracurricular activities, he hopes to keep students motivated and invested in their education.
3. Extended Day Program: Fair Plain Middle School is planning to implement an extended day program to provide academic tutoring by certified teachers. Based on successful results from similar programs, Litten believes this initiative will support student growth and achievement.
4. STEM Certification: In the long term, Litten envisions Fair Plain Middle School becoming a STEM-certified school, emphasizing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. This goal aims to prepare students for 21st-century careers and opportunities.
Technology plays a significant role in Litten’s educational vision. Fair Plain Middle School along with other Benton Harbor Area Schools have recently acquired Promethean boards for every classroom, allowing interactive and engaging teaching. Nearpod, another technology tool, will enable real-time interaction and engagement with students during lessons.
Litten and the instructional facilitators are working on a professional development calendar to ensure that teachers receive the necessary training and support for technology integration and other initiatives.
Ensuring the safety and inclusivity of Fair Plain Middle School is a top priority for Litten. The school has a dedicated support staff responsible for helping maintain a safe environment. Litten shared that the school is enhancing safety measures and conducting drills to ensure safety at all times .
Additionally, in each operational building, Benton Harbor Area Schools will create relaxing rooms for students and staff members. “One of the things we’ve done this school year is build what we’re calling calming rooms in each of our schools.” These soothing rooms, according to Superintendent Dr. Butts, will be equipped with message chairs, games, and relaxing activities, allowing individuals to take brief pauses when needed to regain focus and emotional well-being.
Fair Plain Middle School is prepared for great adjustments and ongoing success under Brian Litten’s leadership and vision. Under his leadership, the school community anticipates an exciting and successful academic year.
